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Twitter tightens security after recent hacking spate | Twitter tightens security after recent hacking spate |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Micro-blogging site Twitter says it is bringing in an optional two-step login for users to beef up security following recent high-profile breaches. | Micro-blogging site Twitter says it is bringing in an optional two-step login for users to beef up security following recent high-profile breaches. |
The company said it would introduce the new system "to make sure it's really you" when a user signs in. | The company said it would introduce the new system "to make sure it's really you" when a user signs in. |
Recent attacks broke into news organisations' accounts, such as the Financial Times and the newswire service the Associated Press (AP). | Recent attacks broke into news organisations' accounts, such as the Financial Times and the newswire service the Associated Press (AP). |
One tweet sent from AP's hacked account said President Obama had been injured. | One tweet sent from AP's hacked account said President Obama had been injured. |
Some attacks have come from political organisations, notably the Syrian Electronic Army, which appears to act in support of President Assad's government. | Some attacks have come from political organisations, notably the Syrian Electronic Army, which appears to act in support of President Assad's government. |
It claimed credit for hacking several news organisations, including AP. | It claimed credit for hacking several news organisations, including AP. |
Two-step | Two-step |
Twitter product security head Jim O'Leary said that despite the new security plans, users should start out with a strong password: | Twitter product security head Jim O'Leary said that despite the new security plans, users should start out with a strong password: |
"Of course, even with this new security option turned on, it's still important for you to use a strong password and follow the rest of our advice for keeping your account secure." | "Of course, even with this new security option turned on, it's still important for you to use a strong password and follow the rest of our advice for keeping your account secure." |
Twitter said the new system would allow users to opt in to a two-step system that would require a verification code for each sign-in. | Twitter said the new system would allow users to opt in to a two-step system that would require a verification code for each sign-in. |
Mr O'Leary said this would be simple: "You'll need a confirmed email address and a verified phone number. After a quick test to confirm that your phone can receive messages from Twitter, you're ready to go." | Mr O'Leary said this would be simple: "You'll need a confirmed email address and a verified phone number. After a quick test to confirm that your phone can receive messages from Twitter, you're ready to go." |
A message would then be sent to the account holder's mobile phone with a verification code to log in with. Businesses which run a Twitter account managed by several people will have to find a way of sharing texts from a single mobile number to take advantage of the facility. | |
Other security breaches suffered by Twitter included one in February, when 250,000 users had their passwords stolen in an attack. | Other security breaches suffered by Twitter included one in February, when 250,000 users had their passwords stolen in an attack. |
News organisations including the BBC were warned by Twitter last month to tighten security in the wake of the high-profile hacks, one of which got into the BBC's weather feed. | News organisations including the BBC were warned by Twitter last month to tighten security in the wake of the high-profile hacks, one of which got into the BBC's weather feed. |